That area has been a construction zone the last few months, and continues to be an unfinished project.

The community got to take a view of progress Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during open houses at the church.

The space will have a more wide-open feel, with a new handicapped-accessible ramp in front of the church to a northwest access. That work has led to additional access to a longstanding bell, which, it’s hoped, will be active again. The entrance way will come out farther to create a plaza, and as motorists and pedestrians can see passing by, the raised shrub bed in front of the church has been removed to provide more outdoor space.

Rev. Matthew Wilke was on hand to provide visitors a tour of the space.

“I think that this church is an amazing legacy,” Wilke said. “And the last 5 years post-COVID there was a big transition from a younger generation.

“We had our Answer the Call Campaign. What kind of church are we passing down to future generations? Is it going to reflect their needs? Pass the baton, so to speak. And also serve the needs of vulnerable people, too.”

Examples of that are the Americans with Disabilities Act improvements and outreach initiatives. “We want to make it a community center dedicated to downtown,” Wilke said. “Walk in and feel really welcome.”

The church will have several changes, including a new door to the sanctuary near the altar and an upgraded elevator.

The congregation normally has been meeting inside the USD 464 Administrative Center near the Tonganoxie Recreation Commission Center while construction continues, but celebrated Sunday at the Tonganoxie Performing Arts Center for Easter.

Renovations are expected to be completed sometime later this month.